Pokemon Leak May Reveal Surprising Plan for Generation 10 Games

Summary

• Leaks suggest Generation 10 Pokémon games may launch on both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2.
• Switch 2 backward compatibility ensures playability of existing Switch Pokémon titles.
• Further Pokémon game details are anticipated during the Pokémon Presents event on February 27th.

Recent leaks within the Pokémon franchise hint at Generation 10 games potentially releasing natively on both the original Nintendo Switch and the forthcoming Switch 2. While Generation 10 remains unannounced, speculation previously favored a Switch 2 exclusive release. This assumption stemmed from the performance issues plaguing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on the original Switch hardware; their open world proved demanding. Many fans believed Game Freak would prioritize the Switch 2 for the next generation. However, leaked information suggests otherwise.

According to leaks shared by Centro Leaks, originating from a Game Freak hacker, Generation 10, codenamed "Gaia," is primarily being developed for the original Switch. A separate project, "Super Gaia," has also surfaced, appearing to be a Switch 2 version. Furthermore, evidence suggests Pokémon Legends: Z-A might receive a native Switch 2 release.

Generation 10 Pokémon Games: A Potential Original Switch Release?

While details on the Switch 2 remain scarce, its backward compatibility with the original Switch is confirmed. This means Switch 2 owners can play Generation 10 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, regardless of native releases. Improved performance on the Switch 2, mirroring enhancements seen on newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles, is possible but unconfirmed. How Nintendo might incentivize Switch 2 ports remains unclear, given backward compatibility.

Currently, official announcements regarding Generation 10 are absent. Treat all information with caution. The February 27th Pokémon Presents event might offer clarity, but it's reportedly focused on original Switch titles, not the Switch 2. If Generation 10 targets the original Switch, a dedicated Switch 2 main series Pokémon game could be years away.